The Yugoslavian Charplanina Shepherd Dog is an imposing-looking breed, known for its role as a livestock guardian dog. It has an intelligent temperament, independent and devoted to its family, as well as being wary of strangers.
General details
The breed has a medium size and a robust structure. Males can weigh between 35 and 45 kilograms, while females weigh between 30 and 40 kilograms. The approximate height in males is 61 centimeters and in females 57 centimeters. The life expectancy of the Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog is 10 to 12 years. The breed is not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
Breed history in brief
The Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog, also known as Sarplaninac, is an ancient breed of livestock guardian dog that hails from the mountainous region of southeastern Yugoslavia, historically known as Illyria. Initially recognized as the Illyrian Shepherd Dog in 1939, its name was later changed to Sharplanina Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog in 1957, in honor of the Sharplanina mountain range, where the breed is most common.
It is believed to be descended from the ancient Molossian dogs of Greece and the livestock guarding dogs of Turkey. The Sarplaninac has been used for centuries in its place of origin to protect herds from predators. Although relatively unknown in the United States, the breed has gradually gained recognition, with the first Sarplaninac being brought to the United States in 1970.
Breed characteristics
The Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog is a medium-sized dog with an imposing appearance due to its strong bone structure and thick coat. It has a body slightly longer than tall, a proportional head and drooping V-shaped ears. Its tail is long and sabre-shaped. The eyes are almond-shaped and moderate in size, and the color can vary from dark brown to chestnut.
The coat is double, with a long, straight, rough outer coat and a shorter, denser undercoat. Its color can vary from white to a very dark brown. It has a collar with a fur collar, a fringe on the nape of the neck, breeches on the hind legs and a feathered tail.
The Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog is intelligent, independent and loyal to its owners. Despite their calm and steady temperament, they are also courageous and quick-witted. Their protective instinct can lead them to be wary of strangers, which makes them good guard dogs, but they require early socialization and proper handling to develop a balanced and friendly attitude.
Common health problems
Information on the most common diseases in the Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog breed is very limited. Even so, it is likely to be predisposed to some of the most common disorders in dogs such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, entropion, hypothyroidism and volvulus-gastric dilatation.
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